New Commissioner Of Police Appointed In Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica will have a new Commissioner of Police as of September 15.

Carl McKay Williams

On Monday, National Security Minister Peter Bunting announced the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Carl McKay Williams, to the post of Police Commissioner.

In a release Monday afternoon, Bunting said he was formally advised of the appointment by the Police Service Commission, and had subsequently briefed the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Commissioner designate comes to the post with a track record of innovation and performance in a wide variety of command roles in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Williams who led Jamaica’s anti-narcotics campaign from 2000–2004, has been credited with the successful prosecution and/or extradition of a number of major narcotics traffickers.

“The new Commissioner will be mandated to continue the process of professionalization of the JCF with special emphasis on respecting the human rights of citizens,” the release stated.

Williams, 50, enlisted in the Force in February 1984.

In June, in a surprise move, Owen Ellington announced his decision to retire as top cop.

A release from the Ministry of National Security then, said Ellington’s decision was based on the need to separate himself from the leadership and management of the police force, before the start of the Commission of Enquiry into the conduct of the operations of the security forces in Western Kingston and other areas during the 2010 State of Emergency.